Airfield Estates Winery

Marcus Miller

Beets, planes and over 900 acres of vineyards come together in the story of Airfield Estates Winery.  During World War II, part of the Sunnyside Miller family farm of beets, spinach, alfalfa, asparagus, cattle and hogs became an airfield used to train 1200 military pilots.  In the mid 1970s, many sugar factories closed in Washington, and so the Millers were looking for a new crop to replace beets, just as Chateau Ste. Michelle was looking for grapes.  Airfield Ranches eventually planted 900 acres of vineyards and has sold grapes to many wineries in the state.

In 2005 the family opened Airfield Estates Winery in Prosser to make estate wines from the 25 varietals grown on the family farm.  They produce all the main Bordeaux, Rhone and Italian varietals, and more.  Airfield produces outstanding single varietal wines as well as blends, including some non-traditional blends such as Flygirl White and Bombshell Red.  The wines are known for quality and affordability, with no wine over $30 and Lone Birch wines at $10 to $12 per bottle.  Today Airfield makes 40,000 cases under both the Airfield and Lone Birch labels.  

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